[Exclusive] Former Fuji TV President Koichi Minato Talks About Tunnels and His Conversation with Takaaki Ishibashi

Cancer confession and sexual harassment allegations

What is the mindset of the mentor now——

The reality of Fuji TV, exposed to the public eye through the report of a third-party committee, was far worse than sponsors and viewers had ever imagined.

Details such as sexual violence stemming from work-related activities and evidence tampering were widely reported by the media, but the most shocking was the sexual harassment allegation involving Tunnels’ Takaaki Ishibashi (63). More than ten years ago, a female Fuji TV employee was summoned by another employee to attend a dinner with an influential program performer, but was left alone with him midway. After moving to another location, the performer allegedly exposed his lower body—this incident was reported, and the influential performer in question was said to be Ishibashi.

It was Koichi Minato, then a leading director in Fuji TV’s variety division and now former president (72), who discovered Tunnels while they were still lingering in show pubs and gave them their big break by casting them in All Night Fuji(1983–1991).

Subsequently, he launched hit shows one after another, such as Naruton Red Whale Group (1987–1994) and Everyone’s Thanks to Tunnels (1988–1997), making Tunnels national stars, as is well known. It’s no exaggeration to say that Fuji TV’s golden age was built together with Minato and Tunnels.

Moreover, Ishibashi had also revealed on his YouTube channel that he had esophageal cancer. How does Minato view the downfall of Fuji TV, once the leader of the TV golden age, and the crisis facing his old ally, Ishibashi?

On the afternoon of April 11—after finishing his routine solo café time, Minato wandered out of the shop. Taking out his smartphone while walking, he finished a short call and then started shuffling down the boulevard. When the foot traffic had thinned, he was approached.

“I can’t pick just one.”

——This is FRIDAY. The third-party committee has brought up Mr. Ishibashi’s sexual harassment allegations. How do you view this?

“Well… I will speak through Fuji TV regarding that.”

——Do you think Fuji TV’s policy of “If it’s not fun, it’s not TV” led its employees in the wrong direction?

“I will speak about all of that through Fuji TV as well.”

——It seems Fuji TV is in a rather difficult situation. What kind of course correction would you like to see?

“Fuji TV is working on various things right now, and I will address that, too.”

——Is there anything you would like to directly tell the viewers?

“(Turning to the reporter) Right now, Fuji TV is doing its utmost to rebuild, so please watch over them.”

——Have you spoken directly with sponsors or shareholders?

“I will also speak about things like that through Fuji TV.”

——Have you spoken with Mr. Ishibashi?

“No, I have not spoken with him.”

With both hands in his pockets, Minato spoke throughout with a blank expression, looking down. Only at the end of the interview, when asked, as a TV man, what he considered his “greatest work,” did he allow a slight smile.

“There are so many!”

Saying, “I can’t pick just one.” Minato once again looked down and shuffled off. In a town bustling with students, office workers, housewives, and shoppers, hardly anyone noticed the former king of television, the ex-president of Fuji TV.